Key West International Airport reopened to commercial service Thursday morning, and the port is likely to fully reopen by the end of day, according to David Ambos of US Coast Guard Sector Key West.
The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, including all 42 bridges, is open, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay said.
Water levels receding in Key West
The most impacted area of the 125-mile Keys island chain seems to be Key West, where many roads flooded because of storm surge or are impassible due to fallen trees, according to Alyson Crean, the city’s public information officer. Water levels are receding and Crean said it will take a few days for Key West Community Services and Florida Department of Transportation personnel to finish removing debris from streets. She added that most primary visitor areas of the city would likely be restored by the end of Thursday.
Power restored to nearly all customers
As of Thursday morning, Keys Energy Services had fewer than 400 of 30,000 customers awaiting restoration of power, according to CEO Lynne Tejeda. She projected full restoration of the utility’s power grid, which serves the Lower Keys and Key West, by late Thursday afternoon.
Almost all Keys lodging establishments escaped significant storm impact and are open, tourism officials reported.
Attractions starting to reopen
Keys state parks, attractions, venues, watersports operations, restaurants and bars are reopening, although hours and offerings may be limited.
The National Hurricane Center discontinued a tropical storm warning as well as storm surge warnings and watches for the Keys late Wednesday afternoon.
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